timing, oil, and water fix...

[elcidsurfer]

Im pickin up a full timing kit, oil and water pump for around $160 shipped and deciding whether to attemp the work myself or just take it to my mechanic ($65/hr). Is it something I will be able to do on a Saturday in my garage with a Hane's manual or should I just take it to the shop? Just an FYI my mechanical experience is limited to replacing the plugs, wires, d-cap, alternator, rear window motor, rear leafs, and shocks on my T4R by my self....

 

[fourwd1]

It is something you can do, forget Haynes, look here and here.

 

[the_dingman]

You can do it yourself, it's pretty easy. However, give yourself plenty of time, it took myself and a professional mechanic friend of mine about 6-8 hours start to finish, granted he was not looking up instructions and working from memory on an engine he hadn't touched in 10 years...

 

[Awz]

This is something that can be done yourself, I just finished mine. But you should give yourself time. I worked in my spare time and spent a couple weeks tearing down. (remember, spare time for me) I spent almost two days putting back together (had some time off work). This was however my second time digging this deep into an engine. (the first time was a couple years ago, and a much newer engine) It can be done yourself, but I don't think I could do it again in just an afternoon. Mine is a 4cylinder (is yours?) the 6 may be different, but I think even just doing the timing chain you need to remove the head. I couldn't see a way around it, but I had to replace my head gasket anyway.

 

[cometobanks]

You can do it. Take LOTS of pics as you are tearing down. Mark all your vac tubes and wires.


DO Not buy a kit with plastic chain guides get metal ones!

 

[gman007]

Do it yourself

Mine is a 4 cyl. and took me 2 days.The head doesn't have to be removed. There is a hidden bolt, it's on the head right in front of the cam sprocket, it will have a puddle of oil covering it .That's the one I had trouble finding as the timing cover cannot be removed unless it's removed.

 

[elcidsurfer]

Thanks for the input fellas. It sounds like I should give it a try. My biggest concerns is the time/difficulty factor... My T4R is my DD so if I start on a Saturday morning and dont get it finished by Monday Im SOL, haha.

 

[cometobanks]

The worst part is the intake and EGR stuff. So take good notes, make good labels and lots of photos. And its a good time to change your fuel filter!

 

[elcidsurfer]

It's been almost two weeks and I still havn't found the time to do this little manuver on the old T4R. Worst case is the engine is now stalling out when Im sittin at a stop light unless I keep my food on the gas a little. Dont wanna drive it too much longer like this so I may have to suck it up and take it to a mechanic to do if I cant get to it this weekend. Any one know what the damage might be if I pay to have it done and can't find the time to do it myself?

 

[cometobanks]

I think the flat rate book calls it like 8-10 hours.

This is an interesting thread.


22R Timing Chain Replacement

 

[elcidsurfer]

From reading that it sounds like I'll be pushing my luck if I dont fix this Saturday... Hopefully I can find the time to and not have to pay to do it...